Autumn Leaves – 1957
Nat King Cole
Beautiful ballad singing
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Many in the jazz world were saddened when Nat King Cole chose to de-emphasize his superb piano playing in the 1950s in favor of his singing.
While it was a major loss for jazz, Cole’s singing was at such a high level that he greatly increased his audience and, most importantly, created plenty of rewarding music.
From his short-lived television series in 1957, here is Nat King Cole singing a beautiful and heartfelt version of “Autumn Leaves” while backed by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and guitarist John Collins.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald